Bloodhound

Bloodhound Overview

The Bloodhound is a very powerful and heavy-boned hound, weighing in between 41 to 50 kg for dogs and 36 to 45 kg for bitches. This massive hound has a long muzzle with a black nose, drooping ears, which helps concentrate the scent to the nose, and loose, wrinkled skin. It stands between a height of 63 to 69 cm for adult dogs and 58 to 63 cm for bitches at the shoulder blade. Its enormous, solid body is covered by a short and moderately hard fur which is slightly softer on the head and ears. The weatherproof coating comes in black and tan, liver and tan and red.

Bloodhound Characteristics

Intelligence

Intelligence

All dog breeds have different levels of intellect. Some dog breeds; working dogs in particular, are very independent thinkers and have been evolved to be very intelligent. Typically, a highly intelligent dog does well in obedience training and other activities. A highly intelligent dog can be very demanding and do require lots of physical and mental stimulation. If you’re looking for a relatively laid-back dog, that doesn’t require lots of mental and physical stimulation, then you must fully understand the level of intelligence of your dog breed of choice.

Before committing to a certain dog breed, you must fully understand their intellect levels and their specific levels of energy. To keep your dog well-balanced and happy, their needs must be met and maintained.

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Exercise Needs

Exercise Needs

All dog breeds have different needs when it comes to the level of exercise they require. For the high energy dogs; which are your typical working dogs, they have a lot of energy and require lots of daily exercise along with plenty of mental stimulation. A highly energetic dog breed would suit an individual or family that is equally as active and loves the outdoors. There are also breeds that have relatively low exercise needs, such as toy dog breeds. Although they require daily exercise and mental stimulation, they’re just as happy chilling at home with their loved ones. This type of dog breed would suit an individual or family that prefers the peace and quiet and relaxation.

Before deciding on your chosen dog breed, Mypetzilla recommends that you research the exercise needs and whether you’re well equipped before committing to buying or adopting a particular dog breed.

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Dogs Health

Dogs Health

There are several dog breeds that are known and potentially predisposed to developing health related conditions. Sensible breeding can help prevent the onset of health related conditions and this should always be taken into condition when researching your dog breed of choice. Before committing to a dog, you should speak to the breeder about any health related conditions that may affect the dog you’re looking to buy or adopt. You can also request to see any test results from genetic testing.

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Child Friendly

Child Friendly

There are many dog breeds that tolerate children really well and are not affected by the constant noise and need for play-time. However, there are some dog breeds that don’t do very well with children and can become frustrated and snappy. That being said, all children should be shown how to handle and care for a dog in their home and should always be supervised when playing. As much as a dog can become annoyed and snappy with a younger child, the child can also become less tolerant and misbehaved towards the dog.

Mypetzilla recommends that you always supervise play-time between your children and dog. Children need to respect the boundaries and feeding time for the dog and likewise for the child. We also strongly advise that play-time doesn’t get out of control and too rough which can cause injury to both child and dog.

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Apartment

Apartment

There are lots of dog breeds that are well suited to living in an apartment. It’s worthwhile noting that you need to check that you’re allowed dogs in your building before committing to bringing one home. If you do decide to own a dog and are living in an apartment, then you must make sure that they have plenty of room to roam around and frequent walks outside to prevent them from becoming bored and depressed.

Mypetzilla recommends that you check as to whether you’re allowed dogs in your apartment building and to fully ensure your apartment is dog proof before committing fully to bringing a dog home.

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Shedding

Shedding

All dog breeds shed to some extent, some more than others. With this, all potential dog owners should be aware of this, as it will be a matter of putting up with some hair or lots of hair being left around the house. Depending on the dog breed, there are certain times during the year where some dog breeds shed the most and this is typically around spring and autumn. However, there are some dog breeds that shed all year round.

If you’re very house-proud, they you may want to choose a dog breed that sheds very little. Mypetzilla strongly recommends that you fully research your dog breed of choice and their shedding levels before committing.

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Grooming Needs

Grooming Needs

All dog breeds require different levels of grooming. Some dog breeds are easier to maintain than others and only require a weekly brush to help keep their coat in good condition. There are some dog breeds that require regular trips to the grooming parlour and this can come at a huge cost. Either way, all dog breeds require their coat and nails to be maintained and cared for.

Mypetzilla strongly advices that potential owners research the grooming needs and associated costs with their desired dog breed before fully committing.

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Barking

Barking

Barking is a necessity for your dog to communicate. However, it can also be a nuisance to yourself and fellow neighbours if it’s not kept under control. If you live in an apartment, then you’re better off choosing a dog breed that doesn’t bark as much. If you live further out and far from civilisation, then it’s worthwhile looking into a dog breed that does bark and will bark to alert you of any other company on your property.

Mypetzilla advices that you research the behaviours of your dog breed of choice and whether this would work for you and your family. It’s worth noting that dogs can be trained to bark less and this will take a lot of effort and training from the owner.

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Alone

Alone

Majority dog breeds form very close relationships with their owners and as a result can become very stressed when left alone for a period of time. If a dog is suffering with separation anxiety then they’re very likely to become destructive around the home as a way of dealing with their anxieties. Dog breeds that do form strong bonds with their owners are better accustomed to a household where one member of the family remains home, whilst the others are out, this is to help avoid further anxieties and destructive behaviours.

Mypetzilla recommends that all potential owners research their dog breed of choice on their bonding abilities and how well-adjusted they are to being left alone at home. It’s also worth noting that you should never leave your dog for longer than 4 hours alone at home.

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Trainability

Trainability

There are certain dogs breeds that have very high intellect and therefore easier to train than other dog breeds. There is also a downside to this; as fast as they learn the new trick or command, they can easily pick up bad habits just as quick. Other dog breeds that don’t rank as high on the intellect scale require patience and plenty of reward treats from their owners during training.

Before committing to a certain dog breed, Mypetzilla advices you to fully research your dog breed of choice and their level of training needs.

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Energy Levels

Energy Levels

All dog breeds have different energy levels. The working dog breed has one of the highest energy levels in comparison to the low-energy dog’s breeds such as the Toy dog breed group. To keep a dog truly happy, healthy and well-balanced, their energy levels must be met.

High-energy dog breeds need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. High energy dog breeds would suit an active family or person. Dog breeds that are considered as low-energy, love to spend the majority of their time relaxing and sleeping in their favourite, comfy spot. A low-energy dog breed would suit an individual that equally loves the quiet life and relaxing lifestyle. Of course, low-energy dogs still need their daily walks and mental stimulation, just not as much as a high-energy dog breed.

Mypetzilla recommends that potential owner research fully on the type of dog breed that would suit their existing lifestyle and to also take into consideration the dog breeds energy levels and exercise requirements.

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Dog friendly

Dog friendly

Before you decide on what dog breed would be suitable for you and your family, you must consider whether they’re a friendly dog breed and if you already have other pets within the household. For homes that already have dogs and other domestic pets, then it’s wise to choose a dog breed that has a friendly personality and temperament.

There are some dog breeds that mix well with other dog breeds and there are others that don’t suit one another and this could potentially cause issues later on down the line.

Another important point to consider is whether the dog breed of choice is friendly towards people and children.

Mypetzilla recommends to research fully on the right dog breed for your family and to also consider their temperament and characteristics.

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Thinking of buying or adopting
a Bloodhound?

History & Origin

The modern Bloodhound is said to be descended from the St. Hubert Hound, a breed perfected by the monks of St. Hubert monastery in the Ardennes region of Europe in the 7th century. They were slow, heavy-skinned scent-hounds with sensitive noses that can cold trail large game such as wolf and deer. When the Normans from France invaded England in 1066 AD, they brought with them many breeds of dogs, including the St. Hubert Hound, which was also a major figure in the appearance of the Foxhound. The Bloodhound is also known today in France as Chien de Saint Hubert and is one of the oldest and the largest breed of scent-hounds.

The Bloodhound was originally bred to track large game such as deer and large cats. However, due to rapid population increase and the continued destruction of forests and natural wildlife habitats, hunting in Britain slowly became less and less popular which led to the decline in the number of Bloodhounds. The number revived slightly with the introduction of dog shows in the 19th century. Because of its extraordinary ability to track on a trail that is days old over long distances, the Bloodhound successfully found its way to law enforcement, used in hunting down criminals, missing persons, and other search and rescue operations.

Temperament

As a kind, patient, and good-natured dog, the Bloodhound is excellent with children and even lets children clamber all over them. Nevertheless, it is a large breed even puppies are big enough to knock over a small child. The Bloodhound is a mild-mannered breed, very friendly even to strangers and does not have a strong guarding instinct that is why it is not advisable as a watchdog, but may announce the arrival of a visitor from time to time. Inside, they're typically happy just lying around but outside, they are lively and full of energy.

Training

Training takes patience and firm commitment. Although gentle and mild-mannered, it is a very independent breed and generally makes its own decisions rather than following commands.

Grooming

A Bloodhound requires very little grooming. Just an occasional brushing or grooming with a hound glove will suffice. Bathe only when necessary, but cleaning the long, floppy ears should be regular.

Health

Like most large dog breeds, the Bloodhound's life expectancy is only 8 to 12 years. It has a genetic tendency to develop hypothyroidism, a disease which results in the inability of the thyroid gland to manufacture sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones known as thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Iodine-rich food helps in preventing this ailment.

The Bloodhound is also prone to the following ailments:

Hip dysplasia, particularly common in large breeds, this disease affects the hip joint and can cause painful arthritis of the joints.

Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content.

The diet must contain a blend of wheat, brown rice, fish, high carbohydrate vegetables, avocado, and poultry. Avoid feeding beef and its by-products, soy, beets, or white rice. Recommended feeding should be two or three small meals per day and not one large meal to prevent bloating.

Exercise

The Bloodhound will do fine in an apartment but will require a considerable amount of daily exercise to keep it physically well and mentally active. Daily walks are vital but must not be allowed to wander off lead because it will follow any sensed trail. A secured, fenced garden is an ideal place for a Bloodhound when kept unleashed.

Do not exercise for a couple of hours after eating.

Children and other pets

The Bloodhound is excellent with children because it's a mild-mannered canine. They are very easy to introduce with other pets making it unlikely to have problems with other dogs and animals around the house.